About

Our Mission

Dancing should be a part of every child’s education for in all its varied phases it
combines pleasure and exercise, develops grace and poise, improves their posture
and helps build strong bodies.

Dancing develops coordination of mind and body, of course some become more proficient
than others depending on natural ability and how they apply themselves – but all improve
and attain confidence through the joy of rhythmic expression. Traylor Dance Academy is
dedicated to maintaining ethical and professional teaching standards and to developing each
student’s dance potential. We are proud members of Dance Educators of America &
Professional Dance Teachers Association

Meet Our Team of Coaches

The more you practice, the better you will become!

Natasha Ackerman Hester ~ Artistic & Teaching Director

Certified to teach by Dance Educators of America

Member, DEA and Professional Dance Teachers Association

Director of TDA Childrens Theatre and TDA Modeling Program

Graduate with honors from the Greenwood Girl Modeling & Charm School

Dancer/Singer with King’s Dominion

Shenandoah Conservatory

Old Dominion University

Dancer / Singer with Kings Dominion

Point Park College

Faculty, VSU 1988

National Seminar, TumbleBear Gym Program

Extensive training in New York City with Charles Kelly, Ronn Forella, Phil Black, Luigi, Frank
Hatchett, Steps and The American Dance Machine.

Coach/Choreographer TDA Regional and National Dance Champions and the TDA All Stars Dance Teams

National “Best Choreography” Award

Mary Ellen Hurt ~ Associate Teacher

Mary Ellen began dancing at Traylor Dance Academy when she was 2 yrs old.

Student assistant for 3 years, Assistant Instructor for 3 years, primary teacher at satellite studio
for 4 years and an associate teacher for 13 years